Nicholas Nip, at the age of nine years and eleven months, became the youngest person ever to achieve a master’s rating in the United States. The previous record was held by Hikaru Nakamura, at ten years and 79 days, a record he set ten years ago, almost to the day.

In comparison, Bobby Fischer did not become a master until the age of 12.

Nicholas pushed his rating to 2207 (2200 is Master level) by winning a tournament at the Mechanics Institute Chess Club of San Francisco. Being at the top for his age is nothing new for Nicholas. He was the youngest rated Expert (2000) in the country, and then the youngest ever to raise his rating over 2100. In fact, he has been at the top of the rating list for his age 10 times.

Nicholas is an outgoing youngster who enjoys football, basketball, and soccer, math and reading.

His achievements in chess began in 2005 when he won the CalChess Scholastic K-1 championship. He latest achievement was first place in the 2006 National Elementary Championship, K-3 section. He is a member of the Trophies Plus All-America Chess Team for 2008.